McElwain: Callaway not enrolled for summer classes
Antonio Callaway accounted for seven TDs and 1,213 all-purpose yards as a true freshman in 2015.
Published on Wednesday, 6/1/16, at 12:51 p.m. Eastern.
The uncertain status of Florida sophomore WR and special-teams ace Antonio Callaway didn’t get any clearer Tuesday at the SEC’s annual spring meetings in SanDestin, Florida.
When UF head coach Jim McElwain was asked if there was any update on Callaway’s status, he said, “Nah. Same deal.”
Callaway and junior Treon Harris have been suspended since January. Callaway missed spring practice after enjoying a breakout freshman campaign with 38 receptions for 678 yards and four touchdowns. He also had a pair of TDs on punt returns.
Callaway, who had 1,213 all-purpose yards, threw a TD pass in the Citrus Bowl. He was his best in the biggest games, producing a TD catch and a punt return for a TD in a 35-28 loss at LSU. Callaway had his other TD on special teams to give UF a 7-3 lead vs. Alabama in the first half of the SEC Championship Game.
With Florida trailing Tennessee 27-21 and facing a fourth-and-14 play in the final minute, former UF quarterback Will Grier hit Callaway for a first-down catch. However, Callaway had more in mind, shaking a pair of defenders before streaking down the sidelines for the go-ahead score in a thrilling comeback win.
Callaway’s attorney Huntley Johnson told the Orlando Sentinel back in March that his suspension is based on a violation of the school’s Student Code of Conduct. He wrote to the Sentinel, “There is no good reason why this investigation has not been closed. This allegation has no merit.”
On the bright side for the Gators, McElwain delivered positive news on three players who missed spring drills with injuries. He said LB Alex Anzalone (back), OL Martez Ivey (shoulder) and WR Brandon Powell (foot) have all been cleared for non-contact drills and will be ready for the start of practice in August.
Anzalone missed all but two games in 2015 and is likely to start at the position vacated by the departed Antonio Morrison. Ivey, a five-star recruit in McElwain’s first class, started throughout his true freshman season. Powell started at slot receiver and is likely to do so again this year if he can stay healthy.
Florida is listed as a 2.5-point underdog vs. Georgia and an 11-point underdog at FSU in 5Dimes’s Games of the Year. The Gators have a season win total of eight (‘under’ -145, ‘over’ +115). They return five starters on offense and six on defense.
